T20 World Cup 2022: “He is the ultimate competitor in anything he does,” Buttler hails Stokes after title win

Ben Stokes played a key role in England's win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final.

By Salman Anjum - 13 Nov, 2022

Skipper Jos Buttler hailed Ben Stokes as an "ultimate competitor" after the all-rounder scripted England’s T20 World Cup 2022 title win with an unbeaten half-century in the final against Pakistan at MCG on Sunday (November 13).

Chasing 138 to win, the Three Lions were struggling at 45/3 after 5.3 overs. However, a 48-run stand between Stokes (52* off 49 balls) and Moeen Ali (19) swung the game in England's favour and they eventually became the second team after West Indies to clinch the T20 World Cup title twice.

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"It is (the icing on the cake). To win the T20 World Cup now, immensely proud of everyone here. It has been a long journey and few changes but we are reaping the rewards of how we have played in the last few years. It's been a fantastic tournament. We went to Pakistan before coming here, which was a valuable time for the group and this felt a long way after the Ireland match but the character we showed from thereon in must-win games is amazing," said Buttler in the post-match presentation ceremony.

"He (Matthew Motts, white-ball head coach) has fitted in really well. We have got a few Australians in the coaching staff with us in this tournament and he has led the coaching staff really well, gives the players great freedom."

Commenting on Stokes' match-winning knock, Buttler said, "And that man again, Ben Stokes is there at the end. He is the ultimate competitor in anything he does and has the experience to bank on as well. He timed it perfectly, the impetus that he and Moeen Ali had just took it away from Pakistan."

Earlier, England restricted Pakistan to 137/8 after opting to bowl first. Sam Curran was the pick of the bowlers for England, taking three wickets by conceding only 12 runs in his four overs. Adil Rashid (2-22) too claimed the prized scalps of Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris.

Talking about Rashid's performance in the match, the captain said, "Huge swing in the game, that was a fantastic over from Adil. He has been outstanding for us in the last three games, just the guy who makes things happen and his performance was outstanding. When you hit the right length there was a little bit of movement and they were obviously bowling at a good pace, not easy at all."

For his stunning spell in the final, Curran earned the Player of the Match award while he was also declared Player of the Tournament.

(With ANI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 13 Nov, 2022

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